‘Beast of Tembisa’ to spend life behind bars
He was further handed down an additional 302 years behind bars by the High Court in Johannesburg.
A serial rapist dubbed “Beast of Tembisa” has been handed 12 life sentences for raping women in Ekurhuleni between 2013 and June 2019.
Gift Mkhwanazi (33) was charged with 104 counts ranging from rape, kidnapping, pointing of a firearm, robbery with aggravating circumstances, assault, and attempted murder.
He was further handed down an additional 302 years behind bars by the High Court in Johannesburg.
“Mkhwanazi accosted them from behind, pointed them with a firearm or knife to force them into bushes, he would rob them of their cash and cell phones and rape them,” says Gauteng NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane.
“Mkhwanazi was arrested following one of his friends, found in possession of one of the complainant’s cell phones. He was further linked through DNA that was extracted from one crime scene and complainants.”
During his testimony, the accused claimed that he does not know any of the witnesses in court.
He further denied that he ever raped, kidnapped, or robbed the witnesses and that he never had a knife or firearm in his possession.
